Best Deck Stains

Update for 2018 on What is the Best Deck Stain: This is the updated version of our most popular article on DeckStainHelp.com. We help by guiding consumers in finding a high quality and low maintenance deck stain based on a series of questions. This article alone had had almost 15,000 Q&A questions and over 400 Star Rating/Reviews to date. We will be updating this article by including some answers to our most popular questions.

This is the most popular question that deck owners have. Unfortunately, there is not a “best” deck stain out there. There are products that are better than others, but there is not one that will outperform every other stain.

A better way to approach this common question is to ask, “what is the best stain for my deck and it’s environment”? Just because a deck stain performs well in the Northeast part of the country does not mean it will perform well in the high altitudes of Arizona. There are also VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) Laws the come into effect for different parts of the country. This may limit what is available in your state. For example, TWP 100 Series cannot be used in 17 states that have a low VOC content of 250.

To understand a deck stain and its potential longevity, we should first look at the main reasons deck stains fail:

UV rays from the sun will damage the wood resulting in degradation of the wood cell structure. This will break down the stain while causing the wood to oxidize (turn gray).

Water, snow, and ice will cause damage to the wood by breaking down the exposed cellular structure.

Freeze/thaw will expand and contract the wood resulting in the stain “bond” with the wood cells to fail.

Mold, mildew, and algae will leave the wood unsightly/dirty and can result in rotting.

High traffic areas will leave “wearing” patterns.

The previous stain used was of low quality or applied poorly.

The Stain was not applied properly or the wood was not prepped properly prior to application. Bad prep is the number one reason stains prematurely fail!

Update 2018 Please read this article and post any questions you have in the comment are below. Our newly enhanced website now offers the ability to upload and post pictures of your exterior wood or deck. This will help us determine the proper prep and overall condition of your deck, leading to better performance.

This is an updated version of our most popular article What is the Best Deck Stain? We have had over 15,000 Q&A questions for the first article, helping consumers find the best wood and deck stain for their deck and specific environment.

The point of this article and DeckStainHelp.com is to offer guidance in choosing a quality deck stain that works well and will not create larger issues down the road when time to reapply. We have updated our original article by including answers to some of the most popular questions that we receive.

Here are some of our most popular answers to remember, before proceeding with any questions below:

No deck stain will last 5+ years. A good quality stain will last 2 or maybe 3 years on a deck floor (horizontal) and typically twice as long on railings, siding, etc. (verticals).

Penetrating stains will have less chance of peeling as they soak into the wood grain and do not film on top of the wood grain when fully cured.

Penetrating deck stains are easier to maintain by cleaning and reapplying after 2-3 years.

Filming Deck Stains that dry on top of the wood are harder to remove and/or reapply as they are more prone to peeling, wear, flaking, etc.

Not all Deck Stains are penetrating. Even when they claim otherwise.

Semi-transparent, Transparent, and Semi-Solids will show the grain of the wood to some extent. Solid stains, Deck Resurface Coatings, and Paints will not.

Clear sealers without any pigment/color will not prevent UV graying. Lighter Pigmented stains that are Transparent, Semi-Transparent, or Semi-solid will have less UV protection than Darker Pigmented stains in the same transparency. More color/tint = better UV protection.

Deck Stains are either Oil Based or Water Based. Filming or penetrating. Transparent, Semi-Transparent, Semi-Solid, Solid (opaque) Stains or a Deck Resurface Coating. See here for more info on Deck Stain Types.

Oil-based stains can still be used in all States and Canada as long as they are compliant to local VOC regulations.

When switching brands of deck stain it is always best to remove the old coating first. Do this by using a Deck Stain Stripper and/or sanding.

Always apply a Wood Brightener after prepping with a Stain Stripper or Wood Deck Cleaner to neutralize the caustic.

New Decks (less than a year) are treated differently than older decks (more than 1 year). New decks need to be prepped and usually cannot be stained right away. See this about Staining New Decks.

Here at DeckStainHelp.com we take pride in the fact that we have become the Internet’s number one reference for all things exterior wood and deck restoration related. Our customers who have used Armstrong Clark wood deck stain continue to be satisfied by the appearance and longevity of their deck stain projects. If you have used Armstrong Clark wood deck stain, we appreciate your input, so feel free to leave a comment below and pictures of your completed projects if you have them.

Armstrong Clark Deck Stain Review

Important Note: This is our 3rd Review of Armstrong Clark Stain.

Armstrong Clark Wood Deck Stain is a highly regarded oil based stain formulated with 5 generations of stain industry experience. Armstrong Clark is available in several formulas: Transparent, semi-transparent, and semi-solid colors.

Armstrong Clark Deck Stains are uniquely blended with drying and non-drying oils that isolate from each other during application. The non-drying oils penetrate the wood fibers and help rejuvenate and condition lost natural oils while the drying oils cure on the surface to lock in the conditioning oils and form a barrier of weather protection at the surface.

Armstrong Clark Stain Review

Armstrong Clark Stain Scores (1-10)

Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 9

– The initial appearance of Armstrong Clark was a rich deep finish with naturally enhanced wood grain showing through the semi-solid formula. Our choice of the Cedar Semi-Transparent color had a rich cedar tone.

Preventing UV Graying at 2 Year Mark:8

– Upon our 2-year inspection, Armstrong Clark Wood Deck Stain produced above average UV resistance. Being a semi-transparent Cedar color we projected better than average UV shielding and it did not disappoint. It would seem to us that the transparent colors would deliver slightly less UV shielding due to less pigment in the formula, while the semi-solid colors of the AC would have slightly better UV protection when in full sun.

Wear/Tear and Peeling: 9

– No peeling was detected at the 2-year point. There was slight wearing on the high traffic areas, around the furniture, and on the stairs.

Update 2018: This is an updated Review of our original Defy Extreme Wood Stain. See Here for First Review: Defy Extreme Stain Review

Summary: Defy Extreme Wood and Deck stain is one of our top choice for water-based deck stains. It has superior UV resistance and has the ability to penetrate into the wood grain almost as well as an oil based semi-transparent. The mold and mildew protection is superior to 90% of all other semi-transparent stains due to the nanoparticles of zinc oxide.

In 2008 Defy unveiled Defy Extreme Stain, which quickly became the most popular stains in the Defy stain line. As a water based stain formula, Defy Extreme penetrates wood surfaces and does not form a film. Defy Extreme Stain utilizes synthetic resins and nano particles that harden the cellular structure of the wood pores and helps reflect harsh UV rays like a sunscreen to prevent fading and graying.

Defy Extreme Deck Stain Scores (1-10)

Appearance After Initial Stain Application:8.5

– The initial appearance was a warm rich finish with even natural grain highlights. We were impressed that Defy Extreme Deck Stain did not conceal the wood grain like other water based stains. Wood surface penetration was outstanding. The Cedartone test color revealed a hint of orange but was tolerable and almost expected for a cedar deck stain tone.

With more than 20 years’ experience owning and operating our own deck staining business, we have tried pretty much every brand of deck stain out there. We Q&A with thousands of contractors, homeowners, and project managers about their projects, what works, and what does not.

Restore A Deck Wood Stain Review

Last year we tested the Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain. The RAD stain completes the line of the RAD Cleaner, Strippers, and Brighteners that have been around for 15+ years. Restore-A-Deck wood stain utilizes the latest advancements in wood stain technology to properly seal and protect the wood in 4 beautiful semi-transparent finishes. The formula penetrates deep into the wood grain to protect your deck against UV damage and water that can promote growth of mold and mildew. It is eco-safe and easily cleaned up during the application process with soap and water. After one year, the deck stain had no wear/tear and peeling, no mold/mildew/algae, no UV graying, and very little color darkening.

We appreciate you visiting Deckstainhelp.com as we continue to be your go-to source for the latest in deck restoration news and trending topics through 2018. If you are looking for honest deck stain ratings, look no further. We base our ratings from our personal experieces as well as the input from thousands of project managers. Feel free to leave a comment below about your water based deck stain of choice.

With a lot of water based deck stains on the market today it can be difficult to find the best one for your deck stain project. Looking at the reviews for the best water based deck stain, one stands in a class by itself. Defy Extreme deck stain is a newly blended formula using nano particle technology that improves stain performance by 200%-600%. Nano technology uses nano particles and synthetic resins to significantly increase the stain’s functionality.

This synthetic resin based deck stain blocks and absorbs harmful UV rays like a sunscreen. This technology is a first in the industry. Blocking UV rays is crucial to protecting the wood. Sunlight can gray out and fade decking. It can also dry out the natural oils of the wood jeopardizing the wood’s longevity. Defy Extreme Stain blocks these damaging rays keeping the wood looking new by preserving its appearance.

We here at Deckstainhelp.com remain committed to being your go-to source for all things deck staining related. See below for our ratings of the best deck stains for 2017. We want to hear from you. What is your favorite deck stain and why? Leave us a comment below.

When looking for the best deck stain you cannot deny that protection, appearance, longevity, and ease of application all need to score high for a stain to be considered the best. To find the best deck stain of 2017 it needs to be mentioned that there are many variables exposed that can play a vital role in the results of a deck stain. Weather, climate, sun exposure, and even amount of foot traffic all take a toll on a deck stain. A deck stain on the west coast will be more exposed to sun exposure and heat while a stain in the Midwest or east coast will have to protect against moisture and freeze/thaw damage.

In fact, it may not come down to just one single stain as being the best due to all the different factors and unique situations. There are however a few that are in the running and worth mentioning. These stains all have their own unique blend and claim different promises but we have found them all to hold up the best while providing a beautiful finish.

Since we fist published this article, some new stains have been introduced. We recommend you browse our site with honest reviews for recommendations for the best stain for a new pine deck. We always appreciate your input, so feel free to leave a comment below with pictures of your pine deck stain projects.

Need Help Finding the Best Stain for New Pine Deck?

The best time to stain a deck is after it is built while the wood is still new and has not been compromised by weather damage. However, it is important to allow a new pine deck to dry out for several months before staining it. A new pine deck contains too much moisture at first and you do not want to trap that moisture in the wood by staining it too soon. Wait for the wood to reach 12% moisture level or less. This can be checked with a moisture meter. As mentioned this usually takes a few months in warm weather depending on the sun exposure the deck receives. Do not wait too long though like a year or more because that is when most of the damage occurs to unprotected pine.

Some new solid color stains have been introduced since we originally published this article. We recommend you do your research browse our site with honest reviews for recommendations for the best solid color deck stains. Our top picks for a solid color deck stain is the Flood Brand. If you want a solid color Deck Resurface type stain, then choose the Gulf Synthetics. We always appreciate your input, so feel free to leave a comment below with pictures of your solid deck stain projects.

When staining a deck there are many brands and types of stains to choose from. If you are looking for a certain color or wanting to mask the wood grain completely then a solid color deck stain is the best choice. There are however some things to consider when searching for the best solid color deck stains.

If the deck has been cleaned properly and does not have any existing coatings or finish on it then an oil based solid color stain is the way to go. These types of solid stains will always perform better than a water based solid stain. However, you may find that the oil based solid stains are harder to find due to strict VOC laws so any brand you can find should work.

We appreciate you visiting Deckstainhelp.com as we continue to be your go-to source for the latest in deck restoration news and trending topics through 2018. If you are looking for honest deck stain ratings, look no further. Below, we mention some tips for restoring an old neglected wood deck. Feel free to leave a comment below with any pictures you may have.

Best Stain for an Older Wood Decking

Wood decks can be a beautiful addition to any property but when neglected they can also become an eyesore. When a deck goes too long without being maintained sun and water damage occur. The wood loses its natural oils and becomes very dry and porous. Cracking, splitting, warping, and graying are all signs of an old deck that has not been protected against weathering.

Here are the steps needed to make your old tired deck look new again:

Repair First

Do a thorough look over for any rotten boards and replace them. Check for loose boards and railings and tighten these up as well with decking screws. Check foundation for any structural damage.

Clean and Brighten Deck

It is not impossible to bring an old wood back to life. A little care and maintenance can revive most neglected decks. If the deck is still in good structural condition the grayed wood can be cleaned using a wood deck cleaner.

We have our favorite stains and offer reviews based on this but not everyone has had the same results. We cannot expect our top rated stains to perform flawlessly in all scenarios nor would Behr Supreme fail in all scenarios. We do suspect it does in most cases though

We find that the Defy Extreme Wood Stain to be the best performing water-based deck stain on the market. The zinc oxide nano-particles do double duty in preventing UV fading and preventing mold or mildew growth. The Defy Extreme penetrates into the wood grain extremely well for a water-based stain, resulting in a non-filming coating that is not prone to peeling or wear from traffic. We personally use the Defy Extreme on about 30-50 deck restorations every year in the Midwest and is one of our go-to brands.

Defy Extreme Stain was introduced in 2008 as the newest member of the Defy Stain family. Defy Extreme Deck Stain in a penetrating water-based stain that does not film on the wood. Defy Extreme contains synthetic epoxy resins that “harden” the wood pores below the surface.

Utilizing nano-technology, Defy Extreme is one of the best stains on the market when it comes to preventing UV graying.

*Note:Defy Extreme Wood Stain is an improved version of the Defy Epoxy Fortified Wood Stain. Containing the same ingredients but with the added UV protection of the zinc oxide nano particles .

Defy Extreme Deck Stain Scores (1-10)

Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 8.5

– Defy Extreme Stain had a rich look to the wood. Natural grain was highlighted evenly throughout. The Defy Extreme did not mask the grain like other water based wood stains. Penetration of the stain into the wood was excellent. The Cedartone color was slightly on the “orange” side but acceptable for a cedar deck stain color.

Preventing UV Graying at 2 Year Mark: 9

– One of the best in the industry. Testing over a 2 year period showed little to no color fade. The zinc oxide nano particles seemed to help drastically with the Ultra Violet radiation that turns the wood gray.

Wear/Tear and Peeling: 8

– Better than average wear and tear. High traffic areas show some wearing but overall tested
extremely well. No noticeable peeling.

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Disclaimer

This is first and foremost a help site from our experience as wood restoration contractors. All stain and prepping manufacturer directions were followed with our reviews and ratings. We offer no guarantee of similar results. Take in consideration that wood and deck stain results may differ due to prepping procedures, different wood types, exposure to UV radiation, natural weathering, etc.